Hey everyone! back again...Here's a new fic based on a prompt by bubblybubbly. I so hope you like it.

Thanks to bubblybubbly my buddy writer/suggester/creator.

And always to Rose...who helped me write properly...lol.

Disclaimer: No song or character belongs to me. But who knows, one day people, one day!

Chapter 1: Strawberry Wine

The hustle and bustle of the crowd suffocated the tall, blonde, ruggedly handsome entertainer as he made his way toward the stage doors. The flashing of cameras blinding his view as the paparazzi huddled to get their precious shots, his minders busily pushing the masses away from the stage entrance.

Sam Evans was one of the most renowned country artists in not only America, but throughout the world. He had number one chart toppers in not only the country music arena, but the mainstream pop charts as well.

Sam breathed a sigh of relief as he finally made it into the safe haven within. Taking off his black felt Stetson he wiped his brow and chortled, "Yah think I'll be used to all this now, hell, I think I'm getting blind from those dam flashes from those dam cameras"

"Oh c'mon Sam, It ain't the flashes of the cameras that are making you blind. I told you to put your glasses on. You know you can't see properly without them." His friend grimaced rolling his eyes.

"Ya don't know a thang Puckerman…" he chortled, his Tennessee drawl accentuating every word, "I don't need glasses."

"You're so vain Evans …" his friend chuckled, "you are definitely gonna pay for your vanity," he added."

"Whatever Puckerman," Sam laughed and began to walk toward the stage.

Suddenly a group of young ladies ran toward him, "Mr Evans can we please have your autograph?" They screamed.

His body guard stood before them and began to tell them to leave. Sam interrupted and whispered to the large man and said, "Hey Leo, wait up…they are pretty hot, so I think I'll take them to go with a few fries on top!" he smirked at the tall taut body guard.

Leo stepped back and snickered rolling his eyes, "gee Evans…" he mumbled, "You're such a man whore."

Sam chuckled at his response then began to walk toward the infatuated fans.

By now Puck had saddled up next to him, "Which one do you want?" he whispered to Sam.

"I think the blonde," Sam smiled.

Puck chuckled, "they're all blonde Sam!"

"Hmmm…" he pondered his eyes scanning the three blonde Barbie doll clones, which stood barely dressed before him, "how about you choose first, they are all pretty hot and I pretty much had my fill last night." He smirked winking at Puck.

"Ok, second left," Puck chuckled

"Second left it is!" Sam high fived Puck as they approached the eager young admirers.

The women cheered and squealed as Sam approached them, "oh Mr Evans we are your greatest fans," Barbie number one screamed.

"Can you please sign my shirt?" Barbie number 2 smiled seductively.

"Yeah…sure!" Sam gazed at her with his deep green orbs and gave her his famous half smile that could launch a thousand ships.

The young lady shuddered, almost fainting, Sam took her arm.

"Are ya alright ma'am?" he smiled.

"Oh yes!" she breathed then fluttered her eye lashes, and fanned herself with her hands, giggling with glee.

"So darlin where's the shirt? He grinned.

"The one I'm wearing," she seductively smiled.

"No fair..." huffed Barbie number 3 stomping her foot, "you have to sign my shirt too!"

The women squabbled amongst themselves, but eventually settled. Sam rolled his eyes and signed all three shirts which was pretty tricky since they were quiet well-endowed and there wasn't much of the said shirts which resembled bits of cloth more than shirts. Sam then motioned to Leo, who quickly took the girls to the side of the stage.

"Y'all get to spend some time with us after the concert ladies…" he smiled winking at the besotted blondes, "See you later," he chortled then turned and walked out onto the stage to the roar of thousands of adoring fans.

"Hello Seattle!" he screamed, sliding onto a chair which was situated in the middle of the stage, then grabbed his guitar and rested it upon his knee, "Y'all look beautiful tonight Seattle," he smiled. The crowd went ballistic and started to chant his name.

"Ok y'all settle down now…I'm gonna sing a song y'all may know…and it's dedicated to each and every one of you standing before me, y'all know I love yah right? He drawled.

The crowd screamed at his comment, young and old alike were actually crying. As Sam began to pluck the first notes of his guitar, they immediately hushed; it was so silent you could have heard a pin drop.

"This is a little diddy I wrote…" he cast his famous half smile across the crowd," it's called…Mine."

The crowd went ballistic, then silent as he began to sing.

I thought it was nothing

I thought it weren't real

But you came out of no where

And my heart you did steal ….

The crowd waved their arms in the air as he sung. When he got to the bridge Sam smiled… "Y'all wanna help me with the chorus?" he chortled, Sam closed his eyes as the eager crowd sang the chorus with him.

So now you're mine all mine,

All mine, until the end of time.

I have never loved another

You're quite like no other…because your mine …

Sam continued to sing the popular song and every other song in succession and as usual the concert was a resounding success. As the evening came to a close Sam completed his performance, as he did with every concert, with a special song. Almost everything in this song echoed what was dear to his heart.

"Um…as y'all know this is a song that is very close to my heart, um…it's called, Strawberry wine by the beautiful Miss Deanna Carter.

At the mention of the song everyone cheered, Before I sing I just want to say thank y'all for comin and for all the love out there. I love each and every one of you. Y'all be safe gettin home now. God bless."

Sam smiled and blew a kiss to the crowd. The crowd roared with delight. Then Sam lowered his head and began picking the familiar introduction as tears began to threaten his green orbs.

She was working through college on my grandpa's farm
I was thirsting for knowledge and she had a car ….

When he finished Sam waved to the appreciative crowd, bowed, acknowledged the band, and production crew and his fans once again, then he walked straight off the stage, passed the Barbie clones, passed the stage hands and into the green room where Noah Puckerman waited.

"Hey Evans that was a fantastic concert!" Puck smiled, placed a warm, comforting hand upon his shoulder and exited the green room, locking it as he left. Everyone knew to give Sam time after the concert to collect himself. Sam prayed and gave thanks to God and then took out a faded photo from his wallet and traced it slowly with his fingers then returned it to its safe haven. Each time Sam sang 'Like Strawberry wine' he swore his heart broke a little more. But Sam needed to sing it; he had to keep the memories alive. It was all he had left of her. And he would hold onto the meager remnants till the day he died.

After almost an hour, Sam had worked himself into a state of feigned positivity, when all he felt was sadness. Sam exited the green room to the smiling face of his dear friend Puck.

"Hey Evans…you all good now?" he apprehensively queried as he stood, noticeably nervous.

Sam smiled, "Yeah brother," Sam took in a deep breath, "all good now!" and wrapped a warm arm around the shoulder of his loyal friend.

Puck had known for many years the reason behind Sam's sadness. He had known Sam since high school and they had stayed fast friends ever since.

"It's gonna be a great night Evans," Puck cheered.

"Yeah!" Sam screamed pumping himself up, willing the pain he endured earlier, to slowly subside.

Sam and Puck finally joined the after party, situated at a popular night club, near the concert venue. The party was already pumping when he arrived and the hundreds of invited guests literally screamed when he entered. Sam was once again flocked by hundreds of people, and his body guards had to quickly intervene. He jumped up on stage and happily cheered to the ecstatic crowd conveying his gratitude for their presence. Then he jumped off the stage and partied with the cheering throng.

Toward the end of the night, which in truth was early hours in the morning, Puck and Sam selected the latest women for the evening, which just so happened to be the Barbie doll clones. Sam and Puck looked at each other knowingly and chuffed as they escorted their makeshift Barbie's to their respective rooms ready for a good time.

…...

The silhouette of the young lady beneath the covers on the hotels plush bed did not comfort Sam Evans. Sam was disgusted that he had become this unfeeling snake who slept with whom he pleased. But the hollow feeling he felt would not fade or subside, so he tried so hard to eradicate it. Previously, he had tried to drink it away in a sea of alcohol, to no avail, so now; he was trying to fill that void through random women.

Sam glanced at the form disgruntled, and then made his way out to the balcony grabbing his guitar as he exited. Looking toward the moon he closed his eyes as tears began to threaten. C'mon Evans he willed himself. Sam inhaled the warm summer breeze which surrounded him, then sat upon the white iron bench. Taking his guitar he began strum and sing each word from his heart.

She was working through college on my grandpa's farm
I was thirsting for knowledge and she had a car
Yeah, I was caught somewhere between a man and a child
When one restless summer we found love growing wild
On the banks of the river on a well beaten path
It's funny how those memories they last
Like strawberry wine and seventeen
The hot July moon saw everything
My first taste of love oh bittersweet
Green on the vine
Like strawberry wine

Sam stared intently at the large circular moon which beamed before and tried desperately to smile, playing their song with all his heart.

I still remember when thirty was old
And my biggest fear was September when she had to go
A few cards and letters and one long distance call
We drifted away like the leaves in the fall
But year after year I come back to this place
Just to remember the taste
Of strawberry wine and seventeen
The hot July moon saw everything
My first taste of love oh bittersweet
Green on the vine
Like strawberry wine

Sam bowed his head, closed his eyes and continued.

The fields have grown over now
Years since they've seen the plow
there's nothing time hasn't touched
Is it really her or the loss of my innocence
I've been missing so much

Tears flowed freely as he vented his entire feelings of sadness.

Like strawberry wine and seventeen
The hot July moon saw everything
My first taste of love oh bittersweet
Green on the vine
Like strawberry wine
Strawberry wine
Strawberry wine

By the end of the song, Sam was totally despondent, as tears rolled down his cheeks. Bowing his head Sam recalled the many summers in which the words from that particular song became an important part of who Sam was. The memories of the past echoed through his mind. Sam looked again at the large summer moon as it beamed down upon him, and then bowed his head and he whispered, "I love you!"

….

10 years before

It was a warm summer morning as the sleepy teenager strode out of his grand-parent's home, ready to do the various chores around their Farm. Sam jumped into his truck and made his way to herd the cattle toward the next field. The 17 year old was used to getting up at the crack of dawn. There was much work to be done. Sam stayed at his grandparents' home every summer. He enjoyed working on the farm and helping out his grandfather who was getting on in years.

Driving up to the stables he parked his truck and saddled up one of the horses. It was his favorite horse Charlie. Charlie had been a loyal charger to Sam since he was seven years of age.

"Hey boy, how are you today?" He smiled as he stroked his chestnut mane. Then mounting him he led Charlie toward their objective to herd the unruly cattle.

Charlie galloped along the track, the cool morning air biting at Sam's exposed face. "Whoa boy," he cried as they arrived at their destination.

It was a tiring morning for Sam as he and a number of ranch hands tried desperately to herd the 1000 head of cattle. The foreman Will Schuster screamed, "Sam there's a few stray cattle and they are headed towards the fields, you best guide them back."

"Yes Sir," Sam smiled tipping his hat, and quickly veered the reigns to the left and shot off after the wayward beasts, which seemed to be headed straight for the families strawberry fields.

One year some of the cattle escaped and almost totally demolished the strawberry fields. The fields provided employment for many a family in Riley, Tennessee. That year many families were deprived of much needed income.

Sam spent the entire morning and most of the afternoon tracking down the wayward cattle. Finally returning the beasts to the corral, Sam made his way home but stopped on the banks of the river to give Charlie a much needed drink.

Sam ran his hand along Charlie's back, "here you go Charlie, you did a great job today," he smiled patting his beloved horse as Charlie willingly lapped up the cool water.

Sam turned and sat by the river bank throwing off his Stetson, gloves and boots as he decided to go for a quick dip. He felt hot and tired and the glisten of the cool water looked so inviting. Then he removed his shirt and finally began to unbuckle his belt.

"A…hmmm!" came a quiet grunt from the distance.

Sam jumped, as he turned to see the young lady positioned behind him.

"Sorry sir, I didn't mean to disturb you but I am sure you probably wouldn't want to show me your family jewels there would you?" she laughed.

Sam gasped, "W-who are you and what are you doing here?"

The young lady got up and offered him her hand

"My name is Mercedes Jones and I work in the strawberry fields just over there. My family rent one of the cottages across the river," She pointed to the cottages situated a few miles away in the distance.

"S-Sam Evans ma'am," he gulped, taking in the beautiful large brown doe eyes of the stranger in front of him. Suddenly Sam felt self-conscious and quickly grabbed his shirt and slipped it on.

"Nice to meet you Sam Evans," she smiled and then turned to collect a couple of cool strawberry wine coolers which sat under the tree she sat previously, almost hidden from view.

"Would you like a drink Sam Evans," she smiled.

Sam gulped again, "y-yes please," he stammered as he took in her dark chocolate skin and her soft dark locks which cascaded down her spine. The simple floral dress, draped down to the bottom of her thighs and Sam thought she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.

Sam was so caught up in his reverie that he never realized she had already returned and was holding the wine cooler in front of him.

"Its ok…yah know it's non-alcoholic," she giggled, "I'm not gonna get you drunk, but that would be a sight to behold a drunk cowboy riding his steed off into the sunset," she laughed.

Sam chuffed as he took the drink and nervously replied, "thank you ma'am."

"Don't call me ma'am just call me Mercedes..." She chortled and stood beside him drinking her wine cooler, "it makes me sound like I'm a trillion years old."

Sam laughed and then smiled "This is good wine," then thirstily gulped down the refreshing cooler.

"Yeah my momma makes it, I think her strawberry wine is one of the best in the county," she smiled.

Then she walked toward Charlie who was still thirstily lapping up the cool water.

Sam gently took her arm, the connection was instant as he felt something he couldn't explain coarse through his veins, she must of felt it too because she physically flinched at their contact. Sam quickly released his grip, "Um sorry..um…I just wanted to warn you because Charlie doesn't take too nicely to str-!"

Sam swallowed his words as the Mercedes gently ran her hand along Charlie's long main. Charlie turned and licked the young girl's hand.

"He is beautiful Sam Evans, so beautiful," she smiled rubbing along his nose as he licked her hand.

Sam was agape, for as long as he had had Charlie, Charlie never took nicely to strangers. He would nip or kick them or just bolt away from their attention. Sam and his grandpa were the only ones he would respond to.

Mercedes smiled, "what's his name? he is so beautiful."

"I-Its Charlie," Sam stammered

"Oh Charlie you are so lovely," she giggled as Charlie licked her face.

Just then her phone buzzed, "oh dam it," she cursed, "sorry Sam…" she looked toward him, "I don't usually cuss, um...nah yes I do, but I just know what this call is about," she laughed.

"Ok then mom…" she groaned, "be there in five."

"Well it's back to work for me Mr Evans, no rest for the wicked and even less for the righteous," she smiled.

Sam chuckled at her remark.

"Bye Charlie," she grinned, then kissed the large thoroughbred upon his nose and then turned to collect her possessions. Returning back to Sam she handed him another strawberry wine cooler.

"Here you go Mr Evans," she grinned offering him the last cooler.

"No, I'm fine," he lied. Sam was parched and he certainly did want to drink it because that strawberry wine was one of the best wines he had ever tasted. Well next to his grandmas' that is.

"No, I insist." she smiled handing him the wine cooler and jumping into the small row boat which sat on the side of the river, "Take care Sam Evans," she smiled as she grabbed the oars and rowed back across the river.

Sam waved sheepishly and smiled, "Oh my…" he gasped, "Mercedes Jones?! Wow, Mercedes Jones!" and etched her name onto his heart.

…..

The tinkle of the bell which hung above the door did nothing to avert Mercedes glare as she intently watched the large screen television. Her favorite program Scandal was on, and there was no way, no how was she going to be disturbed. "Oh my gosh!" her eyes widened, "I think….I think they are really gonna do it!" She gasped, throwing another piece of popcorn in her mouth.

A soft chuckle could be heard from behind, "Miss Jones you invest so much time in this program, I swear you think you are part of it." The friend giggled once more then sat on the bench next to Mercedes

"Oh shush Finn, your breaking my line of thought," she scolded.

"Thought?" Finn chuffed, "you don't need much thinking to watch this."

"Oh shut up they are just getting to the good part!" Mercedes groaned hitting him lightly on his arm.

Finn played with his coaster as Mercedes intently watched the program.

"Shouldn't you be asking me if I want a drink?" Finn smiled leaning his head against Mercedes shoulder.

"Oh shush, stop annoying me!" she giggled eyes still fixed on the television screen, pushing him away.

"Shush?" Finn chuckled, "you know you should be fired, some bartender you make Mercedes Jones."

"Shut up Finn! Honestly. SHUT UP!" She growled.

Finn began stacking coasters upon each other and then rearranged them to form a rectangle and began stacking them higher and higher to form a tower. Then he took some toothpicks and placed them on top.

"Ta-dar!" He cried, lifting his arms to the side, proudly displaying his excellent architectural skills.

He was quickly greeted with a slight slap from Mercedes which resulted in his stunning coaster towers collapse upon the counter.

"You are such a fun sucker Mercedes Jones," he grimaced, slowly collecting the remnants of his tower.

"Shut up!" Mercedes huffed.

Finn pushed himself away from the bar, walked around the venue and glanced at the photo's on the wall. There were various autographed photo's of local hero's and pictures of Finn and Mercedes in Venice and a myriad of other photos of past and present employees of the popular bar. Flags of every country Finn visited were plastered above the ceiling. The whole feel of the little bar resonated, home and family. Finn smiled running his hand along the frames. He was proud of his small bar. They had many regulars and it was just so nice to have his dear friend Mercedes Jones working there.

"Why on earth do you work here Cedes? You are a successful lawyer and you work here, why?" He queried.

It's fun! She smiled. Turning the television off, now that her favorite program was finished.

"Well it isn't fun for the customer if a customer wants a drink while scandal is on," he chuffed.

"Whatever! but, I don't know any other reason for working here, other than the fact that the owner is one of my greatest friends, and the only one to give me a job without an interview or any experience," she chortled.

Finn chuckled, "your trouble Mercedes Jones."

"You love me!" she laughed punching him lightly on his arm.

Finn threw an arm around her. "ok girly are you ready for our trip to Seattle?"

"Yep I've got everything ready in the car, we just have to stop by at Arties, drop the car off and catch the shuttle from there." Mercedes replied.

"Cool..." Finn smiled, "I'll just put my things in the car."

"Yeah I'll meet you there in five," She chortled. Mercedes threw him the car keys and cleared the tables. Then gave the keys to the bar to Cheryl the night manager.

"Have a great time Cedes," Cheryl smiled and waved to Mercedes as she exited the venue.

Meanwhile at the car Finn threw his bag in the trunk, opened the passenger door and began messing around with the radio.

Hey your listening to Cincinnati Radio, I'm Philip Guard your host for tonight's Country live, this next song is by Sam Evans, I know y'all like it...

Finns eyes grew, "oh my gosh!"

...Its called... like strawberry wine.

Finn tried to change the channel on her radio but didn't know how to. Mercedes approached the car, Finn tried desperately to change the channel, how the hell do you do this he grimaced, trying to press the differing buttons, finally he just took the keys out of the ignition.

Mercedes jumped into the drivers seat, "Cincinnati slash North Kentucky Airport here we come!" she chuckled and turned on the ignition.

Her eyes bulged as she heard the song drift through the speakers.

Like strawberry wine and seventeen
The hot July moon saw everything
My first taste of love oh bittersweet …

Mercedes quickly turned off the radio. Sat back and closed her eyes trying to dissuade tears from entering them.

Finn placed a warm hand upon her shoulder, "Sorry Cedes!"

"I-it's ok, you have nothing to be sorry about Finn," she smiled, wiping her tears and taking in a deep breath.

"Why after 10 years does that song always do this to me? God can be torturous sometimes, making Sam a fricken super star!" She grimaced.

Finn never said a word but took his friend into a warm embrace.

Mercedes turned and placed her hands on the steering wheel and sighed, "Life's a bitch Finney, of all the channels this stupid car gets it has to be the Country Music Channel. I can't even change the dam station Dam it!" she giggled.

Finn smiled, and quietly giggled.

"Right..." Mercedes smiled, "off to Cincinnati slash Northern Kentucky airport again," she squealed. As they sped off down the road Mercedes mind became clouded with unwanted memories.

...

10 Years Before

"Purple!"

"Whats yours Sam?" Mercedes smiled.

"Um…I don't know…don't have one," Sam chuffed.

"Everyone has a favorite color Sam!" Mercedes frowned.

"Nope…I don't," he smirked

"Ok favorite food?"

"Everything!" Sam chuckled.

"You suck at playing 20 questions Sam Evans," Mercedes huffed, annoyingly folding her arms.

The two sat on the multicolored throw beside the banks of the river. Sam and Mercedes had met on the banks of that river every day since they met two weeks ago. At first Sam would miraculously turn up just when she happened to be there. Little did Mercedes know is that Sam would ride around and run back and forth from his chores to the spot by the river in the hopes of 'accidentally' bumping into her.

After 'accidentally' meeting Mercedes three consecutive days in a row, Sam and Mercedes actually began to meet on purpose.

"Favorite movie."

"Um…" Sam thought placing his index finger on his chin, "Avatar, hands down."

"Hey you like that too?" Mercedes squealed. "Kaltxi, Ngaruru lu fpom srak?"

"Set oe zo" Sam replied.

"Oh my gosh you speak na'vi too? What the hell!"

Sam chuckled, "yah know Miss Jones, you do cuss a lot."

"Yeah I know, I can't help myself, sorry. I know it ain't lady like." She chuckled.

Sam laughed throwing his stetson to the ground, "lady like is a little over rated."

Mercedes laughed then jumped up and ran toward Charlie running her hand along his mane.

"Do you wanna ride him Mercedes?"

"I don't know how to ride." She grimaced.

"W-what?" Sam gasped.

"No, Ive never been on a horse," she smiled.

"Your joking,"

Nope!

"But you are so good with horses, I swear you must have ridden before,"

"Nope, I just like animals and for some reason they like me!" She giggled patting Charlies chestnut back.

"Do you wanna learn?" Sam asked, a huge grin covering his face.

Mercedes flinched at first, but then thought, nothing like a challenge.

Ok! she smiled.

"Sam jumped on Charlie, Ok Mercedes, take my hand."

Mercedes offered her hand and grimaced, "now what do I do Sam?"

Put your foot in the stirrup and I'll pull you up!"

She tried to put her foot in the stirrup but was far too short.

"Ok jump onto that log there and I'll lift you,"

Mercedes turned and jumped on a log which lay behind them.

Sam leaned down sliding his arms under hers and gently lifted her.

He was so strong yet so gentle as he lifted her effortlessly and placed her in the saddle in front of him,

Mercedes blushed, she couldn't help but take note of his large muscular biceps, his strong hands and his rugged cologne, dam it, she thought, he's dam well hot! How did you miss that? Mercedes chuffed.

Sam wrapped his arms around her and told her to hold the reigns, his hand entwined around hers, the electricity which bounced between them was incredible. The both of them could not understand what was happening. Sam quickly moved his hands further down the reigns and breathed in trying so hard not to think anything of it.

"O-ok so h-hold the reigns tight," he stammered. Sam was in a mess, this may not have been a good idea, Sam thought. His body was flush against her's and she smelt delicious. Oh my, he thought, stop it Sam, think about something else!"

"Like this Sam, do I hold it like this?" Mercedes smiled and turned her head, her cheek brushed against his as he leant toward her. Sam's eyes widened as he could feel himself swirl into a ball of ecstasy.

Sam knew he had to try and stop himself, he had only known Mercedes for such a short time, this just can't be, he thought and jumped back abruptly.

When he jumped back he inadvertently let go of the reign's and fell off Charlie smack onto the ground,

Mercedes gasped, "are you alright Sam?"

"Yeah." he smiled and giggled standing up wiping the dirt off his chaps.

"What happened Sam?"

"Oh nothing, just not thinking I guess," he chuckled, or too much thinking about you, he thought.

Mercedes held onto the reigns, Charlie stood still not moving, almost knowing Mercedes inexperience.

"Gosh Charlie you are such a good boy," she patted him lightly, "I thought he would bolt."

"He likes you Mercedes," Sam smiled, like me, he secretly thought, running his hand along Charlies mane.

"Are you gonna get back up here Sam?"

Sam wanted too but he knew he could not hide those wonderful yet uncontrollable feelings if he did.

"Nah, um maybe we will resume it tomorrow," he smiled, when I'm better prepared after a hundred cold showers, he secretly snickered.

"Ok," Mercedes grinned and prepared to dismount, but realized she didn't know how, "Can you help me off please Sam?"

"Um…Y-yeah," Sam stammered.

Mercedes fell into Sam's strong arms.

As his arms wrapped around her body Sam could feel himself swoon, Mercedes too felt the same way. Her arms wrapped around his neck as he pulled her in close.

Mercedes looked up into his green, smouldering eyes. He looked into her beautiful brown eyes. For a second they were lost in each others gaze. Sam lowered his head towards Mercedes, his lips inching closer to hers. Mercedes lifted her head towards his, her lips moving closer to his.

Suddenly her phone buzzed.

"Dam it!" They both yelled, then stared at each other and laughed.

Mercedes answered her phone and huffed, "oh, ok momma," she grimaced.

"I have to go to work Sam, no rest for the wicked-"

"And even less for the righteous," he smiled.

They both laughed.

Mercedes held the palms of her hands against his muscular chest brushing them slowly down his abdomen, then stepped back and smiled.

"Will I see you tomorrow Sam?" She grinned.

"Surely will Miss Jones," Sam gushed, eying her lovingly.

Mercedes walked backward then turned and jumped into the waiting row boat.

"Bye Sam Evans, see you tomorrow," she smiled waving to Sam as she rowed,

"Bye Mercedes Jones," Sam smiled, raised his hand and waved as he watched her row across to the others side of the river. Then make her way up the stony path until she was out of sight.

Sam smiled his hand on his heart, "tomorrow, I will see you tomorrow," he gushed. Then mounted his steed and turned toward home, eagerly anticipating their next meeting.

I so hope you enjoyed it. Please review...reviews are so welcome!

Song: Strawberry Wine - Deana Carter.

Na'vi: Kaltxi, Ngaruru lu fpom srak? How are you? Set oe zo I am well now.